In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the urgent need for increased funding to support the newly established city council. A council member highlighted that the current budget allocations are insufficient for individual counselors, shared research policy committees, and operational staff, emphasizing that the council is intended to be the central authority of the new government structure.

The council member pointed out that while the charter commission aimed to empower the city council, it did not fully grasp the financial implications of this decision. The need for adequate funding was underscored, particularly in light of a consultant's report that advised against ad-hoc budgeting practices. The report, supported by the Government Technical Advisory Committee (GTAC), cautioned that relying on temporary solutions could exacerbate existing financial challenges.

The council member expressed a preference for prioritizing a functional council over other budgetary concerns, such as infrastructure projects, framing the decision as part of a broader strategic priority-setting process for the city. Ultimately, they voiced support for an amendment aimed at securing additional staffing resources to help the new council navigate its responsibilities effectively.

The meeting underscored the complexities of budget management and the critical need for a well-resourced city council to fulfill its role in governance.